Paring knives are not arms

After Wayne Anthony Evans was pulled over for speeding by a Seattle police officer, a paring knife was found in his pocket, and he was arrested for possession of a fixed-blade knife. In his defense, Evans argued that the Seattle municipal code banning fixed-blade knifes violated his constitutional right to bear arms.



Not so, the Washington Supreme Court recently decided. It didn't consider the constitutionality of the municipal code itself, but (looking narrowly at the facts of this specific case) decided that there was no historical evidence that paring knives are "arms." Therefore, they can be banned.

we hold that not all knives are constitutionally protected arms and that Evans does not demonstrate that his paring knife is an "arm" as defined under our state or federal constitution.

If Evans had been carrying a bayonet, perhaps the outcome of the case would have been different.

via Wash Post
     Posted By: Alex - Mon Jan 04, 2016
     Category: Law | Weapons





Comments
Isn't ironic that a 3-4" paring knife is illegal, but an anti-tank gun is OK?
Posted by Billy on 01/04/16 at 09:51 AM
I've recently decided that Uncle Sam, that staunch supporter of all that is American has been usurped by Auntie Samantha a manipulative, controlling, worry wart of a bitch.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 01/04/16 at 09:57 AM
USA law & cookery shop: bass-ackward guaranteed, for all your kitchen needs!
Posted by Richard Bos on 01/04/16 at 05:11 PM
Maybe a switchblade or OTF knife would have been considered "arms" ? I believe in countries like Norway almost all knives are banned as weapons when carried outside the residence.
@Billy : I still need one of those in my collection.
Posted by BrokeDad in Midwest US on 01/04/16 at 06:14 PM
If they don't consider it a weapon why is it illegal? Are they afraid he might peel a potato?
Posted by Cougar Allen on 01/10/16 at 05:07 PM
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